Hollywood star Robert De Niro has revealed he is building a hotel in London.

The actor unveiled plans for a 83-room luxury boutique hotel in Covent Garden.

The Wellington Hotel, which would include a luxury spa, two restaurants and a central courtyard, is awaiting approval from Westminster City Council.

De Niro, who is also behind the renowned Greenwich Hotel in New York, has teamed up with Capco Properties and BD Hotels for the ambitious scheme.

The hotel would span six adjacent buildings, three of which are Grade II listed, and will retain historical facades as well as "honouring the heritage of the area" according to De Niro.

The Taxi Driver and Goodfellas star said: "London is one of the most exciting and cosmopolitan cities in the world.

"It makes perfect sense to develop a hotel that represents all of that in the heart of this city in Covent Garden."

He added: "The Wellington Hotel would honour the heritage of the area, while bringing the best of what we've done in New York to London".

The building would be bounded by Wellington Street, Tavistock Street, Burleigh Street and Exeter Street.

Work would begin on the development in 2017 if plans are approved by Westminster City Council, with construction expected to finish in 2019.

Sarah-Jane Curtis, director of Capco Covent Garden, commented: "Robert De Niro and BD Hotels have emerged as the world's leading luxury hoteliers, so The Wellington Hotel is a hugely exciting prospect for London which continues to see strong demand for inventive boutique retreats."